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Effective practices in probation supervision; A systematic literature review
Introduction
The probation service works with people who are suspected or convicted of committing an offence. The overall goal of the probation service is to reduce the risk of recidivism and to promote rehabilitation of its clients (3RO, 2018). To this end, the probation service works with clients on risk management, behavioural change and improvement of living conditions. This often involves other organisations, such as forensic (addiction) care and various municipal institutions. In this study the results of a systematic literature review of the effective elements in probation supervision are described.
This involved searching for practices that have shown to be effective or of which can be concluded that, based on research, that they may be effective. The study further provides indications for practices that do not appear to have been effective. Then the background, objective and terms of reference pertaining to the research are described. Concluding with a reader’s guide that explains the structure of the remainder of this report.
Read the full report: here.
Jacqueline Bosker, Jolein Monnee-van Doornmalen, Renée Henskens, Denise van der Plaat
Date of publication: June 2020
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